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Early Bronco

The ultimate resource for early Bronco owners and enthusiasts.

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PARTS

Links to the best resources for early Bronco parts.

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Early Brochures

Access the original sales material for your 1st Generation Bronco.

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Broncos at Work

A photographic history of Broncos in the field.

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VIN decoder

Learn what your vehicle’s VIN says about it’s history.

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News and updates

Stay up-to-date on the latest Bronco news and happenings.

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TIMELINE

All-Purpose Vehicle
Ford introduces one of the world’s first compact sport-utility vehicles (at that time known as “All-Purpose Vehicle”), the Ford Bronco.
1965
wagon, half cab, and roadster
The first Broncos are made available for sale, offered in wagon, half cab, and roadster configurations.
1966
Bronco Sport package
Bronco Sport package is introduced.
1967
Roadster option is discontinued
Bumpers with curved ends and side marker reflectors are added. Roadster option is discontinued.
1968
Bronco production Increased
Bronco production reaches 19,200 units. Engine is updated to the 302 V8.
1969
Sport Bronco becomes a model
Side marker lights and reflectors are repositioned. The Sport Bronco becomes a model rather than an option package this year.
1970
Baja Bronco is introduced
Bronco’s Dana 30 differential is changed to the much stronger Dana 44 model front end standard. Limited-run commemorative Baja Bronco is introduced.
1971
End of half-cab design
Last year for use of the T-handle transfer case shifter and the '302' emblem is removed from front fenders. Last year for the half-cab design.
1972
Introduction of the popular C-4
Introduction of the popular C-4 automatic transmission option and optional power steering. Early Ford Bronco popularity is at an all-time high, selling more than 26 thousand units this year.
1973
A new emissions package introduced
Due to California regulations, a new emissions package was introduced specifically for California Broncos. Additionally, 200 CID six-cylinder and 4.11 axles are no longer made available in the state.
1974
Unleaded fuel engines
Unleaded fuel engines and catalytic converters are added.
1975
a new power steering box introduction
Broncos’ front drum brakes are replaced with power-assisted front disc brakes. also received a new power steering box that quickened the steering from 5.3 turns to 3.8 turns lock-to-lock, and the 302 received standard Dura-Spark electronic ignition.
1976
Final year of the first-generation Bronco
Final year of the first-generation Bronco and also the most popular to-date with 30,700 vehicles produced. The rear differential housing was modified for extra strength and side marker lights were flipped vertical. Power brakes were added to the option list for the very first time.
1977
second-generation Bronco with limited popularity
First of only two years of production for the second-generation Bronco due to limited popularity. Design included a V8 engine and truck-like bed with a removable top featuring a rear window that lowered into the door. This allowed the tailgate to fold out like a pickup truck, which became a popular aspect of the Bronco.
1978
Last production year for the second-generation Bronco
Last production year for the second-generation Bronco and last to include the solid front axle. Squared headlights replaced the classic round version.
1979
Introduction of the third-generation Bronco
Introduction of the third-generation Bronco as a slightly smaller and lighter version of the previous generation, though still a full-sized SUV with a F-150 base. Options included the addition of a 6-cylinder engine to attract consumers looking for better fuel economy.
1980
Frame Was Changed
Last of two years (1980 & 1981) during which the “swiss cheese frame” was used. These vehicles had a series of large holes punched into the frame rails, presumably as a weight-saving measure.
1981
The “FORD” letters replaces by the familiar Ford oval logo
The “FORD” letters on the leading edge of the hood were replaced by the familiar Ford oval logo in the grille. The XLS trim package was introduced, replacing the “Free Wheeling” package as the sportiest offering.
1982
Ford begins using an 8.8-inch rear axle
Ford begins using an 8.8-inch rear axle in some Broncos. Previously all Broncos used a 9-inch axle. The 8.8 was a stout unit but lacked the 9’s removable third member.
1983
First model year of the Bronco II
Ford raised the ante with the 210-hp 351 H.O. The H.O., along with the 300 six-cylinder, also received Ford’s first EEC computer engine controls this year. Ford also introduced the Bronco II, a compact SUV based on the Ranger but most remembered for stability issues that led to rollover fatalities that embroiled Ford in lawsuits.
1984
Bronco rolls out its designer edition
Bronco rolls out its “designer edition” in the form of the Eddie Bauer Package which included unique two-tone exterior cues, reclining captain’s chairs, air conditioning, tilt column, AM/FM stereo, a center console, and an upgraded lighting group. They are considered to be the most collectible rigs from this generation.
1985
End of third-generation Bronco
Last year of the third-generation Bronco.
1986
First year of the fourth-generation Bronco
First year of the fourth-generation Bronco. Known as the "brick nose," it carried over the same chassis and powertrains from the previous generation. Ford tweaked the body shape to be more rounded and aerodynamic, and also added features like rear-wheel ABS and electronic fuel injection.
1987
Introduction of the Mazda-sourced 5-speed manual
Introduction of the Mazda-sourced 5-speed manual and addition of fuel injection for the 5.8L V8 engine. Skid plates for the transfer case became standard equipment.
1988
Increase in sales
Sales spike at 69,470 units.
1989
Bronco II is discontinued
Bronco II is discontinued due to safety concerns.
1990
The introduction of two new trim packages
This last-year of the fourth-generation Bronco saw the introduction of two new trim packages: The Nite Edition and the Silver Anniversary Edition, celebrating Bronco’s 25th anniversary. The Nite Edition remains especially coveted by collectors, with only 383 vehicles produced.</span>
1991
First year of the fifth-generation Bronco
First year of the fifth-generation Bronco, often called the "Old Body Style" (OBS) Bronco. It again kept the same chassis and powertrains from the previous generation, though Ford made exterior and interior styling upgrades. Safety upgrades meant that the Bronco could no longer be marketed as a lift-off hardtop.
1992
4-wheel anti-lock braking system replaced
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) replaced rear-wheel ABS. This model year later received notoriety in 1994 as the vehicle driven in the infamous O.J. Simpson police chase.
1993
Driver-side airbag introduced
Driver-side airbag introduced and 4.9L inline-6 was withdrawn from the model line, leaving only V8 engines in Broncos.
1994
No changes
No changes were introduced for the 1995 Bronco. Ford was already moving away from the rugged outdoorsy utility vehicle idea and toward the luxurious "sport-utility vehicle" concepts targeted at suburban drivers.
1995
Bronco is discontinued
The last fifth-generation Bronco built rolled off the Wayne, Michigan assembly line on June 12, 1996. Bronco is discontinued due to a decline in demand for large two-door SUVs.
1996